Split Enz

Bio

Split Enz became the first New Zealand band to achieve worldwide success.

Tim Finn and Phil Judd founded the group in 1972 in Auckland, New Zealand. Initially, the band was a light acoustic combo called Split Ends. Finn and Judd were the main songwriting force of the band's early years. Judd drew his inspiration from a wild variety of often non-musical sources while Finn's tastes leaned toward the British pop of The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Move. In a creative rush that lasted several months, the two bashed out songs on acoustic guitars.

In 1974, keyboardist Eddie Rayner was added to the band and they changed their name to Split Enz. In March of 1975, the group travelled to Australia -- at this time, all members except Judd switched to using their middle names.

Comments (Newest First)

Don't you reckon these guys rock?!?Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:15 pmMan I looooooooooove split enz. I like have nearly all of their cds lol. I was just listening to someone singing their "I hope i never" song and they totaly killed it. Only tim finn can sing that song ya'll.

Audiences can expect to be treated to a typically extravagant - full of hits - Split Enz concert but The Frontier Touring Company’s Michael Gudinski says fans should also be prepared for some surprises.

“I’m thrilled that Frontier are promoting Split Enz’s upcoming tour. They were one of the greatest acts of all time on the Mushroom label.

“Split Enz have had so many hits throughout their career that they are icons here. I have every expectation that fans will be on their feet all night singing along – as I will be. Split Enz define the 70s and 80s for so many Australians so this is going to be the ultimate gig for these people.”

It has also been confirmed that Noel Crombie will once again take up the double mantle of band member and stylist/set designer. So be prepared for some classic Split Enz costumes with a bit of ’06 flair and a return of the famous spoons!

Split Enz have defied critics repeatedly, surviving thirteen lineup changes throughout their twelve year career, while securing numerous number one albums and singles in Australia and New Zealand. Canadians embraced them with three number one album spots, while the UK, Holland, Belgium, Israel and Spain all saw the band chart into the Top Ten.

Their fans are amongst the most dedicated in the world, with the band’s official fanclub, Frenz of the Enz, boasting 15,000 paying members from across the globe. In recent years, the membership has increased notably as younger and younger fans have discovered the timeless appeal of Split Enz’s music.

The members of Split Enz frequently referred to Australia as their second home, and there is no doubt that Aussies embraced them in return, according the band a cult status that few other bands can rival. In 1975 the band performed at Ormond Hall as part of Reefer Cabaret. The gig was to be a turning point in the band’s career and from there they went on to sell an impressive 1.2 million albums in Australia alone.

The last time Split Enz reunited was to perform at their induction into the ARIA Hall Of Fame in 2005. Prior to that the band performed a one-off concert on New Year’s Eve in New Zealand for the Millennium. The June tour of Australia will be their first concert tour of this magnitude since the farewell Enz With A Bang! Tour in 1984.

Confirmed as very special guests for the entire tour are the next generation of New Zealand brother singer-songwriters Evermore who shot to fame in Australia on the back of their hit platinum album 'Dreams' (Warner). Their sophomore is due out early June.

With one date only per city, tickets to see Split Enz this June aren’t expected to last long.

Split Enz To ReformPosted: Wed Feb 1, 2006 10:26 amSplit Enz are expected to confirm tomorrow at a press conference in Melbourne that they are getting back together to play a series of reunion gigs through Australia, and we can only hope and assume New Zealand, later this year.

RE: Split Enz Mark 30 YearsPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:19 amI think possibly every musician in NZ will care. These guys are our heritage. They took that big leap that we all are trying to emulate today.

Split Enz celebrate the release of a DVD, the companion to the recent 30th Anniversay album, by reforming for a performance and interviews on the Holmes show on Tuesday (December 10). The show is being extended to a whole hour

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